Hypothetical Which Engine Question.
Discussion
Was out enjoying the Chimaera today and got to thinking about what might happen if something went badly wrong with the engine. Must add I don't expect anything to happen to mine (hugging large tree), but it's approaching 90k miles now and I suppose one should consider these things.
Bodywork is in fab condition with recent-ish full respray, good hood and stuff. Chassis is pretty solid for it's age and I just had some nice shiny Gaz Gold Pro's fitted just before Christmas. So, if the worst were to happen, it'd be a great excuse to fettle. Body off and make sure everything was tickety-boo, interior needs a re-trim, but what about under the bonnet?
1. Replace with another 4.0 TVR V8
2. Replace with a 5.0 TVR V8
3. Replace with a fettled TVR V8 - Supercharged/Taraka/5.6L
4. Drop a Corvette engine in there - how big CC wise can you get?
Lets assume funds are available but not unmlimited. What would you go for?
Bodywork is in fab condition with recent-ish full respray, good hood and stuff. Chassis is pretty solid for it's age and I just had some nice shiny Gaz Gold Pro's fitted just before Christmas. So, if the worst were to happen, it'd be a great excuse to fettle. Body off and make sure everything was tickety-boo, interior needs a re-trim, but what about under the bonnet?
1. Replace with another 4.0 TVR V8
2. Replace with a 5.0 TVR V8
3. Replace with a fettled TVR V8 - Supercharged/Taraka/5.6L
4. Drop a Corvette engine in there - how big CC wise can you get?
Lets assume funds are available but not unmlimited. What would you go for?
If you're starting with a 400, then a 500 replacement is a huge step up in power plus, you can sell the old enginre to offset cost. Costs, probably in the region of £3.5-4k.
Refresh of existing engine is going to set you back £3.5K, before you add Supercharger so expect £7-7.5k to get the same output as a 500.
I am assuming that you are getting someone to do all the dirty work here, if DIY then its a whole new ball game.
Item 3 & 4 is a bit subjective if you are starting with a 5ltr the S/C is bloody impressive, but if you are looking at a purpose built 5ltr engine and S/C kit plus all the s
t that goes with it, then item 4, a LSx lump WILL be cheaper.
E.T.A. forgot about the ajp install as Clive mentions below, probably the same cost as an LSx install I would guess.
If I had Clive's ability then I really would be lost for choice between LSx and AJP as both have huge apeal.
If you're like me and find you get used to the power all too quickly, then the LSx route gives you huge future tuning potential.
Refresh of existing engine is going to set you back £3.5K, before you add Supercharger so expect £7-7.5k to get the same output as a 500.
I am assuming that you are getting someone to do all the dirty work here, if DIY then its a whole new ball game.
Item 3 & 4 is a bit subjective if you are starting with a 5ltr the S/C is bloody impressive, but if you are looking at a purpose built 5ltr engine and S/C kit plus all the s
t that goes with it, then item 4, a LSx lump WILL be cheaper.E.T.A. forgot about the ajp install as Clive mentions below, probably the same cost as an LSx install I would guess.
If I had Clive's ability then I really would be lost for choice between LSx and AJP as both have huge apeal.
If you're like me and find you get used to the power all too quickly, then the LSx route gives you huge future tuning potential.
Edited by Bluebottle on Tuesday 16th March 21:24
as hammish rightly says, if you can do a lot of the work yourself its a totally different ballgame, as for an AJP install the engine can cost upwards of £3k, then allow at least another £3-£4k if you are doing it yourself, if you are paying someone to do it then double that figure at a guess.
you would be better off IMHO sticking with a RV8 as then all of you ancilliaries will still be of use, exhaust manifolds,clutch,gearbox,propshaft,cooling system, starter motor, wiring loom ect, ect, beleive me, this lot soon adds up.
changing to a different engine altogether means you are then looking at having to make bespoke parts to make it all fit into the car,which is when you start spending a lot of money, but if you are dedicated and patient enough it can be a very rewarding project.
edited to add, I`ve just checked your profile, and you`re just across the water from me, so if you are interested in an ajp install you are most welcome to come over and have a look.
you would be better off IMHO sticking with a RV8 as then all of you ancilliaries will still be of use, exhaust manifolds,clutch,gearbox,propshaft,cooling system, starter motor, wiring loom ect, ect, beleive me, this lot soon adds up.
changing to a different engine altogether means you are then looking at having to make bespoke parts to make it all fit into the car,which is when you start spending a lot of money, but if you are dedicated and patient enough it can be a very rewarding project.
edited to add, I`ve just checked your profile, and you`re just across the water from me, so if you are interested in an ajp install you are most welcome to come over and have a look.
Edited by clive f on Tuesday 16th March 20:43
Hope I never get the dilemma really, but some good info there. I did an apprenticeship as a mechanic and no matter what people tell you they are not rocket science, the idea of doing all the work (mostly) oneself is really appealing. As is chucking a load of wedge at someone who does this all the time rather than dabble as I do now.
I'm in the camp of 'There is no substitute for Cubic Inches' but then having something different like a S6 or the like really appeals.
Keep 'em coming guys, I'm enjoying this
I'm in the camp of 'There is no substitute for Cubic Inches' but then having something different like a S6 or the like really appeals.
Keep 'em coming guys, I'm enjoying this
jr6yam said:
I'd love a chim' that went as fast as people
expect it to
john
I had one once...expect it to
john
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fxKnD0qpW8
One day again soon
Ask yourself what you want from the modifications.
Everybody I've spoken with who has tuned/changed their engine in the search for more power has said that they soon get used to it and end up wanting more. A chap with a supercharged 4.5 Chim told me that he's looking for a twin s/c setup. I know of one mechanically superb chap who tuned his RV8 over a number of years until it was an example of the tuner's art. Its sound was tremendous. It cost a small fortune although many would say - incuding me - that it was worth every penny. Or, perhaps, every grand. He took it out on track against a supercharged 5.0 Griff and only just stayed ahead.
I know which one I would prefer to own and I know that if it was my money I would go down the other route. One car was unique and at the top of the game. The other had a bolt-on accessory. But, for the latter, the fact that it was tried and tested technology and easy to remove should the car be sold on would be a major factor in the choice.
I like superchargers. It would seem that it is a coming technology and many shopping cars will come with them in the near future as emissions regulations tighten.
What is your budget?
The move from 4.0 to 5.0 is amongst the cheapest £ per bhp. It leaves the option for further tuning at a later date - naturally aspirated can be done stage by stage whilst a super/turbo charger is an all at once change.
The move to LS7 is an expensive one but if you have the money . . .
I'd suggest talking with those who have modified/changed their engines and seeing what grabs you. Whatever you go for will have points in its favour and points against.
Everybody I've spoken with who has tuned/changed their engine in the search for more power has said that they soon get used to it and end up wanting more. A chap with a supercharged 4.5 Chim told me that he's looking for a twin s/c setup. I know of one mechanically superb chap who tuned his RV8 over a number of years until it was an example of the tuner's art. Its sound was tremendous. It cost a small fortune although many would say - incuding me - that it was worth every penny. Or, perhaps, every grand. He took it out on track against a supercharged 5.0 Griff and only just stayed ahead.
I know which one I would prefer to own and I know that if it was my money I would go down the other route. One car was unique and at the top of the game. The other had a bolt-on accessory. But, for the latter, the fact that it was tried and tested technology and easy to remove should the car be sold on would be a major factor in the choice.
I like superchargers. It would seem that it is a coming technology and many shopping cars will come with them in the near future as emissions regulations tighten.
What is your budget?
The move from 4.0 to 5.0 is amongst the cheapest £ per bhp. It leaves the option for further tuning at a later date - naturally aspirated can be done stage by stage whilst a super/turbo charger is an all at once change.
The move to LS7 is an expensive one but if you have the money . . .
I'd suggest talking with those who have modified/changed their engines and seeing what grabs you. Whatever you go for will have points in its favour and points against.
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